]A division of the Spokane County Bar Association, the SYLD provides new and young lawyers with networking and referral opportunities, social connections, and low-cost CLEs on topics of special interest to those who are new to practice. Members of the SCBA who are under the age of 36 or within the first five years of practice (whichever occurs later) are automatically members of the SYLD without further dues or registration.
If you fit the definition of an SYLD member and are not already receiving emails from us, please contact Corey Riordan to have your name added to our list. NOTE: To add yourself to the Young Lawyers Division via your profile on this web site at www.spokanebar.org/scba-member-login/. Under My Account, click on Add a Section or Division. Click on Young Lawyers Division to add yourself to this division.
PRESIDENT
STEPHANIE FAUST
Stevens Clay, P.S.
(509) 838-8330
SFaust@StevensClay.org
Stephanie Faust is an Attorney at Stevens Clay, P.S., which serves education providers and municipalities throughout the State of Washington. Stephanie’s practice focuses on education, public records, and employment law. A Washington native, Stephanie earned her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Western Washington University’s Fairhaven College. In 2014, Stephanie relocated to Spokane, and in 2017, she graduated cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law. Stephanie also serves on the board of Washington Women Lawyers Spokane Chapter.
PRESIDENT-ELECT
TJ BURFORD
Witherspoon Brajcich McPhee, PLLC
(509) 252-5863
TBurford@WorkWith.com
TJ’s practice is focused on real property, land use and zoning, business and commercial transactions, and estate planning and probate. He will work with clients to produce creative solutions to everyday problems to provide the best outcome possible. Outside of work, TJ enjoys going to concerts, playing golf, and most importantly, spending time with his wife, two kids, and two dogs.
SECRETARY
Abigail Maurer-Lesser
Hawley Troxell
(509) 755-2016
AMaurer@HawleyTroxell.com
Abby Maurer-Lesser is a litigation associate at Hawley Troxell, with emphasis in areas of commercial disputes, labor & employment, and insurance law. Abby earned her Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law, where she graduated summa cum laude. While in law school, Abby served as the Notes and Comments Editor of the Gonzaga Law Review and completed a two-year internship at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. Prior to joining Hawley Troxell, Abby clerked for Judge Salvador Mendoza Jr. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
TREASURER
ADAM GRIFFIS
Lukins & Annis, P.S.
(509) 623-2006
AGriffis@Lukins.com
Adam is an attorney at Lukins & Annis, P.S. in Spokane, Washington, where he focuses his practice on commercial real estate transactions, entity formation, and mergers and acquisitions. A western Washington native, Adam attended the University of Washington for both his bachelor’s and law degree. While attending law school, Adam interned at the Unemployment Law Project, a local non-profit organization, and was the Class Representative for his graduating Class of 2020. Upon graduation, Adam was awarded the Jack MacDonald Merit Award for his service to the greater Seattle community. Adam now resides in Spokane Valley with his wife and his dog enjoying the regular outdoor activities eastern Washington has to offer.
TRUSTEES
MATTHEW COZZA
Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office
(509) 477-4509
MCozza@SpokaneCounty.org
Matt is a Deputy Prosecutor with the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office. As a member of the office’s Civil Department, he represents and advises multiple County departments and officers. Matt has a B.A. in History from Gonzaga University and a J.D. from Willamette University College of Law. After law school, he clerked for Judge Kevin Korsmo of the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division III.
AIDAN MATHIS
Kirkpatrick & Startzel, P.S.
(509) 455-3647
AMathis@KS-Lawyers.com
Aidan P. Mathis is an Associate Attorney at Kirkpatrick & Startzel, P.S. He is a litigator with a practice which focuses on veterinary defense, municipal law, and appeals. Before joining K&S, Aidan clerked for Chief Judge Rebecca Pennell at the Washington Court of Appeals. Aidan attended the University of Washington for both undergraduate and law school, obtaining his B.A. in Philosophy in 2016 and his J.D. in 2020. Aidan is member of both the Washington and Idaho Bar Associations. Aidan is originally from the San Juan Islands but today lives in Spokane with his wife Samantha and one-eyed rescue pitbull Shiela.
NOE PALOMINO
CLAUDE WEST
EX OFFICIO
JOANNA PURYEAR
Hawley Troxell
(509) 755-2072
JPuryear@HawleyTroxell.com
Joanna Puryear is an attorney at Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley, serving as Ex Officio to the Spokane Young Lawyers Division Board for the 2023-2024 year. Joanna also serves as a Trustee on the Spokane County Bar Association Board of Trustees. An eastern Washington native, Joanna graduated from Washington State University in 2011 (go Cougs!) and relocated to Spokane shortly thereafter. While completing the WSBA APR 6 program, Joanna dedicated much of her free time to volunteering with the Volunteer Lawyer Program. Her practice focuses on estate planning, probate, and business & corporate matters. In her personal life, Joanna enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their two dogs. Depending on the season, you can routinely catch her cheering on the Indians and Chiefs.
MEETINGS
The SYLD Board meets on the third Thursday of every month at various locations. All members and potential members are encouraged to attend board meetings. SYLD also hosts several regular events for members, including networking socials, Spokane Chiefs Hockey Night, and the Intro to Courts CLE. Please watch the Calendar Call and our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SpokaneYLD) for meeting and event notices.
COMMITTEES
The SYLD operates several standing committees. All SYLD members are eligible to serve on a committee.
Intro to Courts CLE Committee:
SYLD puts on the Intro to Courts CLE every fall, specifically intended to help those who have just passed the bar become acquainted with the local courts. The committee coordinates volunteers, establishes content, and handles logistics of the CLE, in addition to securing approval of credits from WSBA. For more information and to join the Intro to Courts CLE Committee, contact committee chair Stanley Corbit.
Membership Committee:
The SYLD Membership Committee works to increase involvement of SYLD members in the Division’s activities. This includes planning social and networking events, looking for partnerships with other professional organizations, and suggesting ways to increase the Division’s value to its members. For more information and to join the Membership Committee, contact Andy Wagley, Tim Brandle, and Corey Riordan.
Scholarship Committee:
The Scholarship Committee develops scholarship programs to be sponsored by SYLD. The Committee considers various options for recipients and qualifications, solicits applicants, selects recipients and presents the scholarships. For more information and to join the Scholarship Committee, contact Corey Riordan.
Public Service Committee:
The Public Service Committee is charged with making sure the SYLD membership is aware of pro bono and public service opportunities. The Committee will also plan at least one community service activity for SYLD membership. For more information and to join the Public Service Committee, contact Asta Margaryan, Tim Brandle, Andy Wagley, and Sawyer Margett.
Law Day Committee:
The Law Day Chair plans the content of Law Day presentations in May of every year, coordinates invitations to local high schools for presentations, and secures volunteers for the day of the event. For more information and to join the Law Day Committee, contact Corey Riordan.
Judicial Theater CLE Committee:
SYLD presents Judicial Theater, an ethics CLE, every other year. The committee coordinates members of the bench who volunteer as actors, establishes skit content, and handles the other logistics of the CLE. For more information and to join the 2017-18 Judicial Theater Committee, contact committee co-chairs Deanna Willman and Stephanie Faust.